Each flowchart should ideally begin with a Terminator shape, from which the next step should be linked. Each shape should be indicative of a specific stage in the process and there are conventions for each of these, the most common being the rectangular Process shape. Many others exist, however, including shapes representing Data, Documents and Decisions. Decision shapes are diamonds, each of the four corners (or nodes) being either a link from the preceding shape or action to be taken in the next stage depending on the decision.

Business processes are diagrammed through the use of flow charts. These charts are not just for businesses, normally, it could also be used in different processes including the programming languages systems, management systems, decision-support system, etc. These flow charts are perfectly useful in keeping the manager or head and the members of the organization aware of what is to be done every now and then. Flow charts may vary according to what kind of process is being done in a company; and of course, in a flow chart, there would be different groups that will be working to form a whole system.

Branch Inconsistency. We mentioned the chaos of work flow running in every direction. It is just as important to try to maintain consistency in the direction of individual branches within your flowchart. For instance, many flowcharts have frequent true/false or yes/no components. A smart chart will have all true branches flowing out of the same side of the decision symbols. Every time you encounter a true, the path might emerge from the bottom of the symbol. Every false response might lead out of the symbols right side. Charts that lack branch consistency can increase the likelihood of user error and to more clearly communicate the structure of the system.

A bad flowchart, on the other hand, can be an unmitigated disaster. When the visual version of your system is incorrectly assembled, it can lead to a slew of problems. Those involved in carrying out its steps may misread or misunderstand their responsibilities. A bad chart may make it harder to spot serious planning flaws. Weak efforts make it more difficult to hone systems for maximum effectiveness.